DEVELOPMENT OF WIND SHEAR MODELS AND DETERMINATION OF WIND SHEAR HAZARDS

This work was concerned with specifying a large set of wind profiles for use in piloted simulator tests of low-level wind shear encountered during approach, landing, takeoff, and climbout. Candidate standard wind profiles for use in training and system qualification are also recommended. Measured and mathematically modeled wind data represented as a function of both aircraft altitude and distance are 'flown' with a fast-time computer model piloted by an idealized controller. The wind models and the runway position relative to each wind field are systematically varied to produce a number of different wind profiles. Based on aeronautical system performance in the computer, relative comparisons of wind profile severity are made, potentially hazardous wind profiles are identified, and their relative severity is designated as 'low', moderate, or high for purpose of piloted simulator tests. Piloted simulation results are used to verify the severity ratings. Effects of wind shear on aircraft are illustrated. Wind profile design techniques and implementation methods are discussed. The results of the wind shear hazard determination work indicate that the severity of a wind shear encounter is highly dependent on the position and alignment of the approach path with respect to the wind field and on the timing of the encounter. Both wind shear in the vertical wind component and wind shear in the longitudinal wind component can produce a hazardous condition; high severity wind shear is also hazardous on takeoff.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report on All-Weather Landing Systems. Prepared in cooperation with Douglas Aircraft Co., Boeing Commercial Aircraft Co., and Rockwell International, Cedar Rapids, IA. Collins Radio Group.
• Corporate Authors:

  SRI International

  333 Ravenswood Avenue
  Menlo Park, CA  United States  94025-3493

  Federal Aviation Administration

  William J. Hughes Technical Center, Airport Technology Research and Development Branch
  Atlantic City International Airport
  Atlantic City, NJ  United States  08405
• Authors:
  • Ellis, D W
  • Keenan, M G
• Publication Date: 1978-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 96 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control facilities; Altitude; Flight simulators; Hazards; Mathematical models; Passenger aircraft; Simulation; Wind; Wind shear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Flight simulation; Low altitude; Profiles; Sources
• Old TRIS Terms: Air traffic control terminal
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00313172
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-79-119
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FA75WA-3650
• Files: NTIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 7 2002 12:00AM